Imperial Tours’ China Luxury Travel Blog

Travel is important because it fundamentally transforms us. Sometimes, that includes the literal sense. It was over 11 years ago that my love of foreign films led me to a class on Chinese Cinema. Much of the coursework focused on the works of China's Fifth Generation filmmakers, but th

In the face of modernization, China is struggling to preserve its cultural heritage, and nowhere is this more visible than in the ancient hutongs of Beijing.

I have never been an admirer of the hutongs from an architectural or historical point of view, it was more about the buzz I felt as I meandered down these narrow alleys, seeing them bursting with activity. Sadly, the city’s rapid growth will no longer allow these vibrant communities to remain in these areas. The governmen

While Imperial Tours is primarily known for its luxury private tours, this fall we are offering our Majestic Tour, a 10-night small group tour (maximum 16 people) covering Beijing, Xian, Hangzhou and Shanghai. This is a great way for people who prefer the camaraderie of other travelers to experience must-see China...in style. Highlights include:

Meet 14 year old Gugu – since three human years equals one panda year, when we met a week or so ago at the Beijing Zoo, we were the same age. One of the graces of human aging is that next year I will be only 43 whereas Gugu here will be 45. Bad luck Gugu! This is not a point I would have pressed with Gugu except from outside the panda pen. Gugu seemed affable and gentle when I fed her a mixture of carrots and apple, but at the same time she is a bear and so an un